Workplace Prejudice Intervention Proposal

Posted: July 7th, 2022

Workplace Prejudice Intervention Proposal
Summary
The maintenance of long-held biases, misconceptions, and prejudices in the workplace leads to problems and inequality. To effectively address this issue, the intervention strategy must focus on changing people’s perspectives on the problem. This proposal aims to find a solution, shift perceptions, and ensure the effectiveness of the intervention. Educating individuals about the problem increases their likelihood of actively working towards a solution. Additionally, keeping the public informed about the situation is crucial. By achieving these goals, the proposed intervention can effectively combat workplace prejudice (Gartzia & Ryan, 2021).

The Problem
In the current society, certain demographics are given preferential treatment and greater visibility, leading to social stratification and unfair treatment. Discrimination based on age, gender, weight, ethnicity, religion, politics, or assumed beliefs is prevalent. Prejudice, rooted in preconceived notions or unfavorable attitudes, often serves as the foundation for discrimination. Biased individuals hold negative views toward others or specific groups. Discrimination against those who are different creates a significant issue in the workplace. Qualified individuals may be overlooked for promotion due to biases, such as assuming a female employee’s commitment to family responsibilities or favoring a white candidate based on cultural fit rather than qualifications (Savin-Williams, 2018).

Consequences
The consequences of workplace prejudice include the exclusion of highly qualified candidates from job opportunities, regardless of meeting all requirements. This situation can lead to feelings of rejection, bitterness, and hinder career advancement for women and people of color. Prejudice and discrimination have a detrimental impact on mental health, with certain populations facing increased risks. Discrimination denies individuals equal access to resources, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their peers. For instance, a black student at an elite university may face additional hurdles and receive lower pay even after graduation (Vuddaraju, 2022).

Intervention
The intervention strategy must focus on changing people’s perspectives to effectively address workplace prejudice. The first crucial step is raising awareness about the severity of the problem. This can be achieved through self-study, attending seminars and workshops, and utilizing instructional resources. Reading relevant guides and articles also aids in understanding the problem’s origins. Psychotherapy can help individuals engaging in discriminatory thinking by promoting personal transformation and facilitating social change. Victims of prejudice benefit from therapy, which increases their self-worth and empowers them to confront bias. Therapists addressing prejudice and discrimination should acknowledge their own privilege, biases, and cultural background to provide sensitive and effective care (Gartzia & Ryan, 2021).

The choice of therapy should align with the client’s desired outcomes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help individuals affected by racism, while trauma-informed therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) could benefit those who experienced sexism. Assertiveness training can equip individuals to confront intolerance and prejudice effectively (Cox & Balcetis, 2022).

Goals and Aspirations
To address workplace prejudice head-on, implementing regulations that encourage cultural and racial diversity is crucial. Mentoring and networking programs tailored to the needs of women and marginalized groups can play a significant role in their professional advancement. These programs should focus on aiding women and individuals from underrepresented groups, fostering their development in the workplace (Cox & Balcetis, 2022). Combining these modules is essential to achieving this objective.

Expected Outcomes and Plan
The intervention aims to change people’s perspectives, promote active engagement, and ensure the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Educating individuals about the problem increases their likelihood of working towards a solution. By providing more knowledge about workplace prejudice, individuals become better equipped to address the issue. In addition, keeping the public informed is crucial to maintaining the resolution’s efficacy. The success of the intervention relies on increasing awareness and encouraging action to combat workplace prejudice (Cox & Balcetis, 2022). Education and support for those affected by workplace prejudice are vital for the long-term sustainability of the proposed intervention.

References
Cox, E. B., & Balcetis, E. (2022). Intergroup contact theory: An intervention for prejudice reduction. Intergroup Contact Theory: An Intervention for Prejudice Reduction. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367198459-reprw80-1
Gartzia, L., & Ryan, M. (2021). The subtlety of gender stereotypes in the workplace. The Routledge International Handbook of Discrimination, Prejudice and Stereotyping, 58–72. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429274558-5
Savin-Williams, R. C. (2018). Personal reflections on coming out, Prejudice, and homophobia in the academic workplace. Homosexual Issues in the Workplace, 225–241. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315800868-14
Vuddaraju, A. V. (2022). Workplace Violence at Apple Inc. as a result of Prejudice. https://doi.org/10.14293/s2199-1006.1.sor-.ppvvcrv.v1